Compositions comprising solvent, a monoalcohol, glycerin, and thickener

ABSTRACT

Compositions are provided for removing nail polish that include a co-mixture of monoalcohol, glycerin, and solvent consisting of C2-C3 monoalcohol, glycerin, and a solvent selected from acetone, a C2-C4 alkyl acetate, and combinations thereof. The composition for includes a co-mixture of monoalcohol, glycerin, and solvent that consists of C2-C3 monoalcohol; glycerin; and less than 55% by weight of solvent selected from acetone, a C2-C4 alkyl acetate, and combinations thereof. The glycerin and the C2-C3 monoalcohol are present in a glycerin to C2-C3 monoalcohol weight ratio of greater than about 0.6. If the solvent includes C2-C4 alkyl acetate then the concentration of C2-C4 alkyl acetate is less than 30% by weight. The composition further includes polyacrylamide and water. The concentration by weight of water in the composition is less than the concentration by weight of glycerin. Methods are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based upon and claims the benefit of priorityfrom U.S. application Ser. No. 16/397,559, filed Apr. 29, 2019, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for removingnail polish.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

Nail polish compositions are typically designed to provide long-lastingcolor to nails. Because of the materials used in nail polishcompositions to obtain the desired properties, it has proven difficultto remove such nail polish compositions from nails without adverselyaffecting the nails.

In particular, the inventors have recognized the need to provideefficacious nail polish removal using compositions that include highlyefficacious solvents such as acetone and alkyl acetates, yet are capableof providing additional benefits such as ease of application, such asease of application, reduced likelihood of spillage, gentle removal, andimproved cosmetic experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions for removing nail polishthat include a co-mixture that consists of C2-C3 monoalcohol; glycerin;and less than about 55% by weight of solvent selected from acetone, aC2-C4 alkyl acetate, and combinations thereof. Within the co-mixture,the glycerin and the C2-C3 monoalcohol are present in a glycerin toC2-C3 monoalcohol weight ratio of greater than about 0.6. If the solventincludes C2-C4 alkyl acetate, then the concentration of C2-C4 alkylacetate is less than about 30% by weight. The composition furtherincludes polyacrylamide and water. The concentration by weight of waterin the composition is less than the concentration by weight of glycerin.

The present invention also relates to methods for removing nail polishfrom nails and moisturizing the hands of a subject. The method includesapplying a composition to the hands and to nails of a subject onto whichthe nail polish had been previously applied and removing the nail polishfrom the nails. The compositions include a co-mixture that consists ofC2-C3 monoalcohol; glycerin; and less than about 55% by weight ofsolvent selected from acetone, a C2-C4 alkyl acetate, and combinationsthereof. Within the co-mixture, the glycerin and the C2-C3 monoalcoholare present in a glycerin to C2-C3 monoalcohol weight ratio of greaterthan about 0.6. If the solvent includes C2-C4 alkyl acetate, then theconcentration of C2-C4 alkyl acetate is less than about 30% by weight.The composition further includes polyacrylamide and water. Theconcentration by weight of water in the composition is less than theconcentration by weight of glycerin.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only,and are not restrictive of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram using data developed by the inventors, showingco-mixtures of glycerin, acetone and ethanol, and thickeners usedtherewith.

FIG. 2 is a diagram using data developed by the inventors, showingco-mixtures of glycerin, ethyl acetate and ethanol, and thickeners usedtherewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the expression “at least one” means one or more and thusincludes individual components as well as mixtures/combinations. Allpercentages listed are by weight unless otherwise noted.

Furthermore, all concentrations (and concentration ranges) of glycerin,the C2-C3 monoalcohol, and acetone in this specification may apply tojust to the co-mixture (described herein) or, in certain embodiments tothe entire composition. For example, unless explicitly stated otherwisewhen the specification states that glycerin may be present in an amountof about 15% to about 60%, not only does this contemplate that range ofglycerin concentration in the co-mixture, but it also contemplates thatrange of concentration of glycerin in the entire composition.

Numerical ranges are inclusive of endpoints and meant to include allcombinations and sub-combinations. For example, from about 5%, 10% or15% to about 20%, 50% or 60% means about 5% to about 20%, about 5% toabout 50%, about 5% to about 60%, about 10% to about 20%, about 10% toabout 50%, about 10% to about 60%, about 15% to about 20%, about 15% toabout 50%, or about 15% to about 60%.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, allnumbers expressing quantities of ingredients and/or reaction conditionsare to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about,” meaning within 10% of the indicated number, such as withinabout 5%, such as within 1% or 2% of the indicated number.

“Essentially free” means that the composition includes less than about3% of the identified ingredient. “Substantially free” means that thecomposition contains less than about 2% of the identified ingredient.“Free” means that the composition contains less than 1% of theidentified ingredient.

“Nail” as used herein includes fingernails as well as toenails.

The compositions, coats and methods of the present invention cancomprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elementsand limitations of the invention described herein, as well as anyadditional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations describedherein or otherwise useful.

For purposes of the compositions and methods of the present inventionwhere the invention “consists essentially of” the identified ingredientsand/or process steps, the two “basic and novel properties” of suchcompositions and/or methods are “removing nail polish from nails,” and“phase stability.

Compositions for Removing Nail Polish

The inventors have found that while glycerin serves as an efficienthumectant for moisturizing the skin, glycerin is generally immisciblewith acetone and ethyl acetate. However, the inventors have found thatcertain mixtures of these acetone/alkyl acetate plus C2-C3 monoalcoholsand glycerin components along with certain thickeners are indeed capableof being thickened and capable of removing nail polish. The inventorshave further surprisingly found that if one desires to thicken such asystem, the appropriate choice of thickener depends upon the relativeconcentrations of glycerin, solvent, and C2-C3 monoalcohol.

Co-Mixture

As described above, compositions of the present invention include aco-mixture that consists of three components: (1) C2-C3 monoalcohol, (2)glycerin, and (3) a solvent selected from the group consisting ofacetone, C2-C4 alkyl acetate, and, combinations thereof. While theco-mixture includes no other components than (1), (2), and (3) above,the entire composition may include other components, as described inthis specification. Within the composition all C2-C3 monoalcohols, allC2-C4 alkyl acetates (if present) as well as the glycerin and acetone(if present) are considered to be part of the co-mixture. According tocertain notable embodiments, the co-mixture exists as a single phasewhich may or may not include other components.

Glycerin

In accordance with the present invention, compositions for removing nailpolish comprising glycerin (a.k.a., glycerol, glycerine, propanetriol,1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane or 1,2,3-Propanetriol) are provided. Byglycerol, it is meant the polyol compound C₃H₈O₃, having the generalstructure below as well as, in certain embodiments, isomers thereof.

Glycerin may be present in the co-mixtures useful in the presentinvention in an amount of from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% by weightto about 45%, 50%, 55%, 70% 80% or 85% by weight. In certain notableembodiments the glycerin is present in a concentration no more than 80%,such as no more than 55% by weight, such as at least about 15%, such asat least about 30%, such as from 15% to 70%, such as from about 30% toabout 70% by weight, with all weights being based on the weight of theco-mixture.

C2-C3 Monoalcohol

In accordance with the present invention, compositions for removing nailpolish comprising a C2-C3 monoalcohol are provided.

“C2-C3 monoalcohol” means an alcohol having 2 or 3 carbon atoms such asethanol, propanol, and isopropanol. In certain embodiments the C2-C3monoalcohol is ethanol.

The C2-C3 monoalcohol is present in the co-mixtures useful in thepresent invention in an amount of from about 5%, 10%, 15% or 25% byweight to about 25%, 30%, 40%, or 50% by weight. In certain notableembodiments, the C2-C3 monoalcohol is present in the compositions of thepresent invention in an amount of from about 5% to about 50%, such asfrom about 15% to about 40% by weight.

Nail-Polish Removing Solvent

In accordance with the present invention, compositions for removing nailpolish comprising a nail polish-removing solvent selected from acetone,a C2-C4 alkyl acetate, and combinations (across all relative proportionsof acetone and ethyl acetate) thereof. For clarity, the term ““solvent”used herein, is meant to be used only for solvents selected fromacetone, a C2-C4 alkyl acetate, and combinations thereof, not for C2-C3monoalcohols or other constituents that might otherwise be described as“solvents.”

According to certain embodiments of the invention, the nail-polishremoving solvent is predominantly acetone. “Predominantly” acetonemeans >50% by weight acetone as a percentage of all solvents selectedfrom acetone and C2-C4 alkyl acetates in the composition. According tocertain other embodiments of the invention, the nail-polish removingsolvent is predominantly C2-C4 alkyl acetate (defined similarly toabove). In certain embodiments, the C2-C4 alkyl acetate is acetone, andin other embodiments, the is C2-C4 alkyl acetate is ethyl acetate.

In yet other embodiments, in order to provide phase compatibility, thecompositions are substantially free of alkylene carbonates such aspropylene carbonate.

The nail polish-removing solvent may be present in the co-mixturesuseful in the present invention in an amount from about 10%, 20%, 25% or30% to about 40%, 50%, 70% or 85% by weight. In certain notableembodiments, the nail polish-removing solvent is present in aconcentration no more than about 50%, such as from about 5% to about 50%(e.g., such as when predominantly or all acetone), such as from about15% to about 50% (e.g., such as when predominantly or all C2-C4 alkylacetate), such as no more than 40% such as from about 10% to about 40%.In certain embodiments, the solvent is acetone and the concentration byweight is less than about 50% (e.g., such as when predominantly or allacetone), such as less than about 30% (e.g., such as when predominantlyor all C2-C4 alkyl acetate). In other embodiments, the solvent ispresent in at least 34% by weight, such as from 34% by weight to about40% by weight. In other embodiments, the solvent is acetone and theconcentration by weight is from about 30% to about 40%

Glycerin to Solvent Weight Ratio

Compositions of the present invention have a concentration by weight ofwater in the composition that is less than the concentration by weightof glycerin. The inventors have found that stable systems that areessentially free of water can be thickened with polyacrylamide.According to this embodiment, such compositions have a co-mixture thathas a glycerin to solvent weight ratio (i.e., the concentration byweight of glycerin divided by the concentration by weight of: totalacetone and/or C2-C4 alkyl acetate) that is at least about 1.2. In otherwords, the concentration of glycerin exceeds that of the nail polishremoving solvent. For cases in which the nail polish removing solvent ispredominantly or (in other embodiments) includes C2-C4 alkyl acetate,the glycerin to solvent weight ratio should be at least about 2.0. Incertain other embodiments, in order to optimize nail polish removal, theglycerin to solvent weight ratio should be no more than 3.0, such as nomore than about 2.5. For sake of clarity, by “glycerin to solvent weightratio that are at least about 1.2,” it is meant that if, for example,the concentration by weight of glycerin is (about) 48% by weight, thenthe concentration by weight of the solvent is no more than (about) 40%by weight.

However, in certain other embodiments, the inventors have also foundthat in order to maintain stability, for compositions that includewater, such as about 3% to about 10% water, and are thickened withpolyacrylamide, the glycerin to solvent weight ratio may be less thanabout 2.0. For such cases in which the nail polish removing solvent ispredominantly or (in certain embodiments) includes a C2-C4 alkylacetate, the glycerin to solvent weight ratio should be less than about1.2. For cases in which the nail polish removing solvent ispredominantly or (in certain embodiments) includes acetone, the glycerinto solvent weight ratio should be less than about 1.2.

Glycerin to C2-C3 Monoalcohol Weight Ratio

As discussed, the inventors have further surprisingly identified thatsufficiently high levels of glycerin can be beneficially incorporatedinto thickened compositions including solvents that glycerin is notgenerally compatible with—acetone/C2-C4 alkyl acetates. Accordingly,co-mixtures useful in the present invention have may ratios by weight ofglycerin to C2-C4 monoalcohol that is greater than about 0.6. For sakeof clarity, by “ratios by weight of glycerin to C2-C4 monoalcohol thatare greater than about 0.6,” for example, it is meant that if theconcentration by weight of glycerin is (about) 30%, then theconcentration by weight of C2-C3 monoalcohol is less than (about) 50% byweight. In certain other embodiments, the ratio by weight of glycerin toC2-C4 monoalcohol that is at least about 0.9 to about 1.4; and the ratioby weight of glycerin to solvent that is at least about 1 to about 1.5.

According to certain notable embodiments of the invention, the C2-C3monoalcohol is ethanol and the solvent is either acetone or ethylacetate, or combinations thereof. According to certain otherembodiments, the C2-C3 monoalcohol is ethanol and the solvent isacetone.

Polyacrylamide

In accordance with the present invention, compositions for removing nailpolish comprising at least one polyacrylamide polymeric thickening agentare provided. Non-limiting examples of thickening agents that may beused according to various embodiments of the present invention includethose conventionally used in cosmetics.

“Acrylamide thickening agent” or “acrylamide thickener” as used hereinrefers to polymers based upon one or more acrylamide monomers or similarmonomers.

Specific non-limiting examples of suitable thickening agents includecrosslinked anionic copolymers of acrylamide and of AMPS, e.g. in theform of a water-in-oil emulsion, such as those sold under the nameSEPIGEL 305 (INCI name: Polyacrylamide/C13-14 Isoparaffin/Laureth-7) andunder the name SIMULGEL 600 (CTFA name: Acrylamide/Sodiumacryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer/Isohexadecane/Polysorbate 80); andthose under the name SEPIPLUS 265 (Acrylamide/ammonium acrylatecopolymer/polyisobutene/polysorbate 20), and those under the nameSEPIMAX ZEN (ammonium 2-acrylamido2-methylpropanesulfonate/dimethylacrylamide/hydrophobic chain copolymer,INCI: Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6), all by SEPPIC. Other examplesinclude those under the name SENSOGEL 200 (INCI: Hydroxyethylacrylate/Sodium Acryloyl Dimethyl Taurate Copolymer by Applechem, Inc;those under the name Bluevisc AC (INCI: Acrylamide/Sodium acrylateCopolymer) by Blue Sun International; those under the name OPULYN 303B(INCI: Styrene Acrylamide Copolymer) by Univar Solutions; and thoseunder the name Noevender EC-1 (INCI: Acrylates/Acrylamide/Copolymer) byLubrizol.

The at least one thickening polyacrylamide or cellulose-based agent maybe present in the compositions of the present invention in an amountgreater than 0.05% by weight, such as greater than 0.1% by weight, suchas greater than 0.5% by weight, such as greater than 1% by weight andmay be less than 15% by weight, including all ranges and subrangestherebetween such as, for example, from about 0.1% to about 15%, such asfrom about 0.1% to about 10%, such as from about 0.5% to about 10%, suchas from about 0.75% to about 7.5%, such as from about 1% to about 5%,etc., with all weights being based on the weight of the composition.

While in certain notable embodiments, the composition is a single phase,in certain other embodiments, the composition may comprise multiplephases.

According to certain other embodiments, the composition may comprise a(e.g., a single) multicomponent solution phase including the co-mixture,and a suspended solid phase that is suspended in the multicomponentsolution phase. The suspended solid phase may include any of variousingredients that do not dissolve in the multicomponent solution phaseand are capable of being suspended therein. According to certain notableembodiments, the suspended solid phase includes one or more abrasivecompounds.

Abrasive Compound

In accordance with the present invention, compositions for removing nailpolish comprising at least one abrasive compound (abrasive system) areprovided. An “abrasive compound” is a compound capable of providingabrasion or mechanical exfoliation and in accordance with the presentinvention has one or more of the following characteristics:

(1) Surface roughness: particles with irregular edges provide forabrasion; (2) shape: the particles of the abrasive compound may have anon-angular shape such as a disc, oval or sphere; (3) average particlesize: in the context of abrasive compounds from mineral origins, shells,seeds micronized fruit kernel powders, and the like. The particles ofthe abrasive may have a particle size of 1000 microns (μm) or less, suchas 500 μm or less, such as 300 μm or less, such as 150 μm or less, suchas 75 μm or less, such as, 50 μm or less such as 30 μm or less; and (4)hardness: the abrasive particles may be soft so as to provide for mildabrasion. According to certain embodiments, the abrasive of the presentinvention has at least two of the above-mentioned properties, such as atleast three of the above-mentioned properties, such as all four of theabove-mentioned properties. For example—the abrasive compound may be alarge spherical material and not hard; or very small, hard, and havingan irregular shape. The hardness may be between (inclusive of endpoints)3-8 (Mohs hardness); or between 40-60 (Shore D hardness) if the compoundis a wax or polymer.

The abrasive of the present invention may have at least two of theabove-mentioned properties, such as at least three of theabove-mentioned properties, and such as all four of the above-mentionedproperties.

Suitable non-limiting examples of abrasive compounds include, but arenot limited to, water-soluble abrasives such as sugars; and/orwater-insoluble abrasives such as ground fruit kernel or shell powders,materials such as perlite, pumice or apricot kernel, coconut scrubs,zeolites, hydrated silica, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphatedihydrate, calcium pyrophosphate, alumina, sodium bicarbonate,polylactic acid, spherical waxes (for example, jojoba scrubeads), aswell as synthetic polymeric materials such as polyethylene,polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethlyl methacrylate ornylon.

The at least one abrasive compound may be present in the compositions ofthe present invention in an amount greater than 0.5% by weight, such asgreater than 1% by weight, such as greater than 2.5% by weight, such asgreater than 5% by weight such as less than 40% by weight, including allranges and subranges therebetween such as, for example, from 0.5% to40%, such as from 1% to 30%, such as from 2.5% to 25%, such as from 5%to 20%, etc., with all weights being based on the weight of thecomposition. However, it is to be understood that these weight amountsin this paragraph refer to the total amount of abrasive compoundpresent, including those particles which particles of the abrasivecompound used in accordance with the present invention which do not havethe smoothness, shape, size and/or surface roughness characteristicsdiscussed above.

The suspended solid phase may include other particulate material such aspigments, optical modifiers, tactile modifiers, and the like.

Compositions of the present invention include water. According tocertain embodiments of the present invention, the compositions forremoving nail polish have a concentration by weight of water in thecomposition that is from about 3% to about 10% by weight, such as fromabout 3% water to about 5% by weight of water.

In certain embodiments of the invention are essentially free,substantially free, or free of oils. As used herein, by “oils,” it ismeant compounds having a melting point of less than about 30° C. andgenerally insoluble in water and includes a hydrophobic moiety, such asone meeting one or more of the following three criteria: (a) has acarbon chain of at least six carbons in which none of the six carbons isa carbonyl carbon or has a hydrophilic moiety (defined below) bondeddirectly to it; (b) has two or more alkyl siloxy groups; or (c) has twoor more oxypropylene groups in sequence. The hydrophobic moiety mayinclude linear, cyclic, aromatic, saturated or unsaturated groups. Thehydrophobic compound is in certain embodiments not amphiphilic and, assuch, in this embodiment does not include hydrophilic moieties, such asanionic, cationic, zwitterionic, or nonionic groups, that are polar,including sulfate, sulfonate, carboxylate, phosphate, phosphonate,ammonium, including mono-, di-, and trialkylammonium species,pyridinium, imidazolinium, amidinium, poly(ethyleneiminium),ammonioalkylsulfonate, ammonioalkylcarboxylate, amphoacetate, andpoly(ethyleneoxy)sulfonyl moieties. In certain embodiments, the oil doesnot include hydroxyl moieties.

Suitable examples of compounds of oils include vegetable oils (glycerylesters of fatty acids, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides) andfatty esters. Specific non-limiting examples include, withoutlimitation, esters such as isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate,isononyl isonanoate C₁₂-C₁₅ alkyl benzoates, caprylic/caprictriglycerides, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, silicone oils (such asdimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane), pentaerythritol tetraoctanoate andmineral oil. Other examples of oils include liquid organic ultravioletfilter commonly used for example as UV-absorbing sunscreens such asoctocrylene, octyl salicylate, octyl methoxyxcinnamate, among others.

The compositions according to the invention can be manufactured by knownprocesses used generally in the cosmetics or dermatological field.

According to certain embodiments, methods of removing nail polish fromnails comprising applying a composition for removing nail polishdescribed above to nails onto which nail polish has been previouslyapplied and removing the nail polish from the nails are provided.

According to certain other embodiments, methods of removing nail polishfrom nails (and optionally moisturizing hands) include the steps ofapplying a composition for removing nail polish described above to thehands as well as to the nails onto which nail polish has been previouslyapplied; and removing the nail polish from the nails. The compositionmay also be rinsed from the hands and nails such as with water. Incertain embodiments, compositions of the present invention may beadvantageously used without an absorbent pad (otherwise commonly used toremove nail polish from the nails). As a result of the thickenedconsistency of the inventive compositions, they may also have reducedtendency to spill.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contain certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective measurements. The following examples are intended toillustrate the invention without limiting the scope as a result. Thepercentages are given on a weight basis.

EXAMPLES Example I(a)—Removability

An experiment was conducted to assess removability of nail polish usingsixteen compositions including ethanol, acetone, and glycerin. Sixteenmixtures of ethanol, glycerin, and acetone were prepared by combiningthe ingredients in the relative concentrations by weight listed belowand mixing on high speed vortex for 10 seconds.

Six mm draw down cards were prepared using ESSIE Russian Roulette naillacquer available from L'Oreal SA of Paris, France. The cards wereallowed to dry for 24 hours.

Mixtures were stirred with a spatula, and one spatula scoop of mixturewas placed on a cotton pad. The pad was folded in half three times, andthe card was wiped until the polish was removed, counting the number ofstrokes needed. The observation was recorded in Table 1, below:

TABLE 1 Nail Polish Removability for Acetone/Ethanol/Glycerin System #of Glyc./ Glyc./ Wipes Acetone Ethanol Glyc. Ethanol Acetone To Ref.Conc. Conc. Conc. Ratio Ratio Remove A 60 20 20 1.00 0.33 — B 20 20 603.00 3.00   100+ C 30 45 25 0.56 0.83  10 D 45 45 10 0.22 0.22  4 E 3025 45 1.80 1.50  31 F 34.8 32.7 32.6 1.00 0.94  8 G 34.6 28.0 37.4 1.331.08  11 H 30.9 28.1 41.0 1.46 1.33  10 I 37.7 20.2 42.1 2.09 1.12  18 JK 25 36 39 1.08 1.56  27 L 33 28 39 1.39 1.18  25 M 20 45 35 1.57 0.285 26 N 20 45 35 0.78 1.75  25 O 25 55 20 0.36 0.80  36 P 15 70 15 0.211.00  8 Q 30 0 70 — 2.33  18

Example 1(b)—Removability

An experiment was conducted to assess removability of nail polish,similarly to Example I (a), using seventeen compositions includingethanol, ethyl acetate, and glycerin.

The observations were recorded in Table 2, below:

TABLE 2 Nail Polish Removability for Ethyl Acetate/Ethanol/GlycerinSystem # of Glyc./ Glyc./ Wipes E Ethanol Glyc. Ethanol Acetone To Ref.Conc. Conc. Conc. Ratio Ratio Remove A 30 40 30 0.75 1.00 — B 30 45 250.55 0.83  20 C 30 45 25 1.80 1.5 — D 40 15 45 3.00 1.12   100+ E 25 2550 2.00 2.00  22 F 20 35 45 1.285 2.25  50 G 20 15 65 4.33 3.25   100+ H20 45 35 0.78 1.33  55 I 20 25 55 2.20 2.75  27 J 15 30 55 1.83 3.67  55K 25 35 40 1.14 1.60  39 L 30 10 60 6.00 2.00   100+ M 25 20 55 2.752.20  45 N 10 40 50 1.25 5.00  38 O 15 55 30 0.54 2.00  48 P 55 35 100.285 0.18 — Q 20 60 20 0.33 1.00 —

Example 11(a)—Phase Stability

The sixteen co-mixtures mixtures of ethanol, glycerin, and acetone abovewere prepared as above (in Example I(a) by combining the ingredients inthe relative concentrations by weight listed below and mixing on highspeed vortex for 10 seconds.

A first test formulation was prepared for adding sufficient SEPIGEL 305to the co-mixture to yield 4% by weight SEPIGEL 305 (1.6% activepolyacrylamide) and mixed in an attempt to produce a stable thickenedcomposition.

The mixtures were evaluated after one hour and twenty-four hours byvisually assessing the thickened appearance/phase stability of themixtures, looking for visible phase separation or solvent syneresis asan indication of instability. If a stable, thickened composition wasproduced a “Y” was recorded in the Table 3 below. Otherwise a “N” (no)was recorded.

If the composition was not thickened and phase stable, a secondcomposition was prepared by adding sufficient SEPIGEL 305 to theco-mixture to yield 4% by weight SEPIGEL 305 and adding sufficient waterto the co-mixture to yield 4% by weight of water. If a stable, thickenedcomposition was produced a “Y” was recorded in the Table 3 below.Otherwise a “N” (no) was recorded.

If this second composition was not thickened and phase stable, a thirdcomposition was prepared by adding sufficient KLUCEL MF PHARM (100%active hydroxypropylcellulose) to the co-mixture to yield 4% by weightof hydroxypropylcellulose. If a stable, thickened composition wasproduced a “Y” was recorded in the Table 3 below. Otherwise a “N” (no)was recorded.

A first test formulation was prepared for adding sufficient SEPIGEL 305to the co-mixture to yield 4% by weight SEPIGEL 305 (1.6% activepolyacrylamide) and mixed in an attempt to produce a stable thickenedcomposition.

The results are indicated in Table 3, below. If a stable, thickenedcomposition was produced a “Y” was recorded in the Table 3 below.Otherwise a “N” (no) was recorded.

If the composition was not thickened and phase stable, a secondcomposition was prepared by adding sufficient SEPIGEL 305 to theco-mixture to yield 4% by weight SEPIGEL 305 and adding sufficient waterto the co-mixture to yield 4% by weight of water. If a stable, thickenedcomposition was produced a “Y” was recorded in the Table 3 below.Otherwise a “N” (no) was recorded. Table 3 also shows concentrations byweight of ethanol, glycerin, and acetone in the co-mixture, as well asglycerin to acetone weight ratio and glycerin to ethanol weight ratio.

TABLE 3 Thickening/Stability for Acetone/Ethanol/Glycerin System Stable/Stable/ Thickened Thickened PA, PA, Stable/ Glyc./ Glyc./ No PlusThickened Acetone Ethanol Glyc. Ethanol Acetone water water CelluloseRef. Conc. Conc. Conc. Ratio Ratio (Y/N) (Y/N) (Y/N) A 60 20 20 1.000.33 N N N B 20 20 60 3.00 3.00 Y C 30 45 25 0.56 0.83 N Y D 45 45 100.22 0.22 N Y E 30 25 45 1.80 1.50 Y F 34.8 32.7 32.6 1.00 0.94 N Y G34.6 28.0 37.4 1.33 1.08 N Y H 30.9 28.1 41.0 1.46 1.33 Y I 37.7 20.242.1 2.09 1.12 N Y K 25 36 39 1.08 1.56 Y L 33 28 39 1.39 1.18 N Y M 2045 35 1.57 0.285 Y N 20 45 35 0.78 1.75 Y O 25 55 20 0.36 0.80 N N Y P15 70 15 0.21 1.00 N N Y Q 30 0 70 — 2.33 N Y

The sixteen mixtures of ethanol, glycerin, and ethyl acetate above wereprepared as above (in Example 1(b)) by combining the ingredients in therelative concentrations by weight listed below and mixing on high speedvortex for 10 seconds. The mixtures were evaluated after one hour andtwenty-four hours by visually assessing the thickened appearance/phasestability of the mixtures, looking for visible phase separation orsolvent syneresis as an indication of instability. If a stable,thickened composition was produced a “Y” was recorded in the Table 3below. Otherwise a “N” (no) was recorded. If a stable, thickenedcomposition was produced a “Y” was recorded in the Table 3 below.Otherwise a “N” (no) was recorded.

If the composition was not thickened and phase stable, a secondcomposition was prepared by adding sufficient SEPIGEL 305 to theco-mixture to yield 4% by weight SEPIGEL 305 and adding sufficient waterto the co-mixture to yield 4% by weight of water. If a stable, thickenedcomposition was produced a “Y” was recorded in the Table 4 below.Otherwise a “N” (no) was recorded. Table 4 also shows concentrations byweight of ethanol, glycerin, and ethyl acetate (EtAc) in the co-mixture,as well as glycerin to ethyl acetate weight ratio and glycerin toethanol weight ratio.

TABLE 4 Thickening/Stability for Ethyl Acetate (EtAc)/Ethanol/GlycerinSystem Stable/ Stable/ Thickened Thickened PA, Glyc./ Glyc./ PA, PlusEtAc Ethanol Glyc. Ethanol EtAc No water water Ref. Conc. Conc. Conc.Ratio Ratio (Y/N) (Y/N) A 30 40 30 0.75 1.00 N N B 30 45 25 0.55 0.83 NY C 30 45 25 1.80 1.5 N N D 40 15 45 3.00 1.12 N Y E 25 25 50 2.00 2.00Y F 20 35 45 1.285 2.25 Y G 20 15 65 4.33 3.25 Y H 20 45 35 0.78 1.33 NY I 20 25 55 2.20 2.75 Y J 15 30 55 1.83 3.67 Y K 25 35 40 1.14 1.60 N NL 30 10 60 6.00 2.00 N N M 25 20 55 2.75 2.20 Y N 10 40 50 1.25 5.00 Y O15 55 30 0.54 2.00 N Y P 55 35 10 0.285 0.18 N N Q 20 60 20 0.33 1.00 NN

The results are further displayed in FIG. 1 (acetone) and FIG. 2 (ethylacetate), which are essentially diagrams depicting the results ofthickening/stability testing for particular compositions. Circlesindicate compositions which were successfully thickened withpolyacrylamide (no added water). Squares indicate compositions that weresuccessfully thickened with polyacrylamide with 4% added water but werenot successfully thickened with polyacrylamide with no added.Furthermore, for FIG. 1, triangles indicate compositions which weresuccessfully thickened with cellulose polymer but were not successfullythickened with polyacrylamide (either with no added or with addedwater). Diamonds indicate compositions that were not successfullythickened with polyacrylamide, nor with polyacrylamide with added water,nor with cellulose polymer.

The removability and phase stability results for the acetone systemindicate that if one desires to include about 15% or more of glycerin,one should use up to about 65% by weight of ethanol, about 15% to about60% by weight of glycerin, and about 20% to about 85% acetone to achievehigh removability. To work with a single phase system one would useabout 10% to about 65% ethanol, whereas to work with a two phase system,one would use 0% to about 10% ethanol.

While the removability data for ethyl acetate is unreliable, the phasestability results for the ethyl acetate system show that if one desiresto include about 15% or more of glycerin, then it may be desirable forthe composition to include from about 25% up to about 75% by weight of aC2-C3 monoalcohol, about 15% to about 70% by weight of glycerin, andabout 10% to about 60% by weight of C2-C4 alkyl acetate.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition for removing nail polishcomprising: a co-mixture that consists of: C2-C3 monoalcohol; glycerin;and less than about 55% by weight of solvent selected from acetone, aC2-C4 alkyl acetate, and combinations thereof; wherein the glycerin andthe C2-C3 monoalcohol are present in a glycerin to C2-C3 monoalcoholweight ratio of greater than about 0.6, with the proviso that if thesolvent is predominantly C2-C4 alkyl acetate then the concentration ofC2-C4 alkyl acetate is less than about 30% by weight, andpolyacrylamide; and water, wherein the concentration by weight of waterin the composition is less than the concentration by weight of glycerin.2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the concentration by weight ofwater in the composition is from about 3% to about 10% by weight.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the concentration by weight of water inthe composition is from about 3% to about 5% by weight in thecomposition.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the solvent isacetone.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the solvent is acetoneand the glycerin and the acetone are present in a glycerin to acetoneweight ratio of less than about 1.2.
 6. The composition of claim 1,wherein the solvent is a C2-C4 alkyl acetate and the glycerin and C2-C4alkyl acetate are present in a glycerin to C2-C4 alkyl acetate weightratio less than about 2.0.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein thesolvent is acetone and the concentration of acetone in the co-mixture isno more than 50% by weight.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein thesolvent is acetone and the concentration of solvent in the co-mixture isno more than 40% by weight.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein thewherein the solvent is acetone and the concentration of solvent in theco-mixture is from about 30% to about 40% by weight.
 10. The compositionof claim 1, further comprising suspended solid phase that includes oneor more abrasive compounds.
 11. The composition of claim 1, furthercomprising suspended solid phase that includes one or more water-solubleabrasive compounds.
 12. The composition of claim 1, wherein thepolyacrylamide is present in a concentration by weight from about 0.75%to 7.5% by weight in the composition.
 13. The composition of claim 1,wherein the C2-C3 monoalcohol is ethanol.
 14. The composition of claim1, wherein the C2-C3 monoalcohol is ethanol, and wherein the solvent isacetone.
 15. The composition of claim 1, wherein the C2-C3 monoalcoholis ethanol, and wherein the solvent is acetone, and wherein the solventis acetone and the glycerin and the acetone are present in a glycerin tosolvent weight ratio of less than about 1.2.
 16. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the C2-C3 monoalcohol is ethanol, and wherein thesolvent is acetone, and wherein the solvent is acetone and the glycerinand the acetone are present in a glycerin to solvent weight ratio ofless than about 1.2, and wherein the concentration of acetone in theco-mixture is no more than 40% by weight.
 17. A method of removing nailpolish from nails and moisturizing the hands of a subject, comprising:applying a composition to hands and to nails of a subject onto which thenail polish had been previously applied, wherein the compositioncomprises: a co-mixture that consists of: C2-C3 monoalcohol; glycerin;and less than about 55% by weight of solvent selected from acetone, aC2-C4 alkyl acetate, and combinations thereof; wherein the glycerin andthe C2-C3 monoalcohol are present in a glycerin to C2-C3 monoalcoholweight ratio of greater than about 0.6, with the proviso that if thesolvent is predominantly C2-C4 alkyl acetate then the concentration ofC2-C4 alkyl acetate is less than about 30% by weight, andpolyacrylamide; and water, wherein the concentration by weight of waterin the composition is less than the concentration by weight of glycerin;and removing the nail polish from the nails.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the concentration by weight of water in the composition is fromabout 3% to about 10% by weight.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein thesolvent is acetone and the concentration of solvent in the co-mixture isno more than 40% by weight.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein theC2-C3 monoalcohol is ethanol, and wherein the solvent is acetone, andwherein the solvent is acetone and the glycerin and the acetone arepresent in a glycerin to solvent weight ratio of less than about 1.2,and wherein the concentration of acetone in the co-mixture is no morethan 40% by weight.